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The Mayfly Newsletter, Peter M. Grant

The Mayfly Newsletter

The Mayfly Newsletter is the official newsletter of the Permanent Committee of the International Conferences on Ephemeroptera.

Dna Recombination And Natural Selection Pressure Sustain Genetic Sequence Diversity Of The Feline Mhc Class I Genes, Naoya Yuhki, Stephen J. O'Brien

Biology Faculty Articles

Sequence comparisons of seven distinct MHC class I cDNA clones revealed that feline class I molecules have a remarkable similarity to human HLA genes in their organization of functional domains as well as in the nonrandom partitioning of genetic variability according to the functional constraints ascribed to different regions of the MHC molecule. The distribution of the pattern of sequence polymorphism in the cat as compared with genetic diversity of human and mouse class I genes provides evidence for four coordinate factors that contribute to the origin and sustenance of abundant allele diversity that characterizes the MHC in the species. …

Small Mammals In The Great Dismal Swamp Of Virginia And North Carolina, Robert K. Rose, Roger K. Everton, Jean F. Stankavich

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

Small" mammals were surveyed in a range of habitats in the Great Dismal Swamp of Virginia and North Carolina. The survey is based on three chronologically overlapping studies, each lasting 15-18 months and for which the results have been reported separately. A different trapping method was used in each of the three studies: nest boxes, Fitch live traps, or pitfall traps. Only two species of mammals, both arboreal, were taken in nest boxes, compared with 10 and 9 species in Fitch live traps and pitfall traps, respectively. The Fitch live traps had a much higher catch rate per 1,000 trap-nights …

Reproduction In The Hispid Cotton Rat, Sigmodon-Hispidus Say And Ord (Rodentia: Muridae), In Southeastern Virginia, Robert K. Rose, Michael H. Mitchell

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

The hispid cotton rat, Sigmodon hispidus Say and Ord, a species of the southwestern United States that has been moving northward and eastward in this century, was first observed in Virginia in 1940. In this study of the cotton rat in southeastern Virginia, most males were reproductively competent from February through November, embryos were recorded from March through October, and litter sizes were comparable to those from other locations except Kansas. Also unlike the cotton rat in Kansas, animals grew at substantial rates during the winter in Virginia. The hispid cotton rat seems to have adjusted its breeding season in …

Description Of The Tadpoles Of Gastrophryne Pictiventris And Nelsonophryne Aterrima (Anura: Microhylidae), With A Review Of Morphological Variation In Free-Swimming Microhylid Larvae, Maureen A. Donnelly, Rafael O. De Sá, Craig Guyer

Biology Faculty Publications

The tadpoles of Gastrophryne pictiventris and Nelsonophryne aterrima are described based on material collected in Costa Rica and Panama, respectively. The tadpole of G. pictiventris resembles those of the other species of Gastrophryne. The tadpole of N. aterrima differs from other New World microhylid tadpoles in location of the vent tube (medial), the spiracular opening (ventral to the gut), and eyes (dorsolateral). The unique configuration of mouthparts in N. aterrima is described. Morphological variation in microhylid tadpoles is reviewed and six larval characters are analyzed cladistically for IO New World microhylid genera.

A Black-Bellied Whistling Duck Specimen From Nebraska, Thomas E. Labedz

Nebraska Bird Review

On 29 October 1989 John Andersen of Ong, Nebraska, shot and killed an adult male Black-bellied Whistling-Duck while duck hunting at Hansen Waterfowl Production Area, 3 miles north and 1 mile west of Ong, Clay Co., Nebraska (T6N R5W Section 35). Andersen's brother-in-law, Stewart Porterfield of Lincoln, was present at the time and tentatively identified the specimen but returned to their vehicle to get a bird book for reference (Porterfield, pers. comm. 2 November 1989). Mr. Porterfield took the frozen, intact duck specimen to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission office in Lincoln where it was recommended that the specimen …

Additional Observations On The Birds Of The Lake Mcconaughy Region, Paul A. Johnsgard

Nebraska Bird Review

Since the publication more than five years ago (NBR, 52:26-35, 1984) of an earlier list of the birds of the North Platte Valley between Oshkosh and Keystone, many new records have been obtained. Additionally, since 1982 Dr. Charles Brown of Yale University has spent every summer doing ornithological fieldwork in the area, and has kindly contributed many of his observations. This abundance of new information appears to warrant some additions and modifications to the original list, most of which simply involve changes in occurrence or status information for previously recorded species. However, three previously unreported species have also …

1989 Nebraska Nesting Report, Esther V. Bennett

Nebraska Bird Review

Data on the 1989 nesting season in Nebraska were received from 25 observers and two agencies, reporting on 105 species from 53 counties. Counties on the tabulation are listed in a west to east order, with the northernmost of the approximately equal locations given first. Numbers in normal type represent Nest Record Cards; numbers in italics represent nests reported by Nebraska Game and Parks Commission; B represents nest building; C represents carrying food; E represents eggs; F represents feeding; M represents carrying nesting materials; N represents nests observed for which no Nest Record Card was submitted; P represents brood patch; …

Book Reviews From Nebraska Bird Review June 1990

Nebraska Bird Review

Collins Guide to Tropical Plants, Wilhelm Lotschert and Gerhard Beese, 256 pp., including 274 color photographs (grouped on 96 pp. in the center of the book), 5 x 7¾ , index, Steptlen Greene Press, Lexington, Mass. $24.95.

The subtitle says "A descriptive guide to 323 ornamental and economic plants," so obviously it can cover only the most prominent and common plants. (There are about 3,500 varieties of palms.) A one-page map of the world shows the climate and vegetation zones of the tropics, which, with a two-page description, gives some guidance as to the plants to be expected in …

Notes Nebraska Bird Review (June 1990)

Nebraska Bird Review

Notes

EAGLE SURVEY NOTE. This part of the Eagle Survey report was lost between the bottom of page 29 and the top of page 31 of the March issue (NBR 58:29-31):

*The unknown eagle under Niobrara was not identified as either Bald or Golden; all others were Bald Eagles.

--- Greg Wingfield, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Rt. 4, North Platte, NE 69101

PAINTED BUNTING On 21 May 1988 I spotted a Painted Bunting in the cemetery (nearest to the road leading to the Monument) on the western edge of Gering, Scotts Bluff Co. I saw the bird at …

The Eighty-Ninth (1990) Annual Meeting

Nebraska Bird Review

THE EIGHTY-NINTH (1990) ANNUAL MEETING

Good weather and good birding, and "Welcome" flags on the main street, greeted the 103 who registered for the 1990 Annual Meeting at Falls City. A check of the last 10 previous meetings shows that the 1987 meeting at Valentine had 116 participants registered, but that was a joint meeting with South Dakota, and 39 of the participants were members of SDOU only, so that 77 (or less, there were 14 unaffiliated participants, some of whom may have attended only because of the South Dakota participation) would be the comparable figure for a Nebraska meeting. …

Nebraska Bird Review (June 1990) 58(2), Whole Issue

Nebraska Bird Review

Table of Contents

1989 Nebraska Nesting Survey..............38

The Eighty-ninth (1990) Annual Meeting ..............46

Book Reviews ..............48

A Black-bellied Whistling-Duck Specimen from Nebraska:
A First State Record ..............49

Additional Observations on the Birds
of the Lake McConaughy Region ..............52

Notes ..............54

Coccidia (Apicomplexa) From Heteromyid Rodents In The Southwestern United States, Baja California, And Northern Mexico With Three New Species From Chaetodipus Hispidus, Paulette L. Ford, Donald W. Duszynski, Chris T. Mcallister

Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology: Faculty Publications

Fecal samples from 223 heteromyid rodents of 4 genera and 13 species were collected from California, New Mexico, and Texas and from Baja California Norte and Sonora, Mexico. Of these, 84 (38%) were infected with coccidian oocysts; 72 of 84 (86%) infected animals had only 1 species of coccidian. Eleven species of coccidia were identified including 1 cyclosporan and 10 eimerians; the cyclosporan and 2 of the eimerians are described as new species. Sporulated oocysts of Cyclospora angimurinensis n. sp. were subspheroidal, 21.9 x 19.3 (19-24 x 16-22) μm, with sporocysts lemon-shaped, 11.9 x 9.5 (9-15 x 8-11) μm; it …

Prevalence And Implications Of Feline Coronavirus Infections Of Captive And Free-Ranging Cheetahs (Acinonyx Jubatus), J. L. Heeney, J. F. Evermann, A. J. Mckeirnan, L. Marker-Kraus, M. E. Roelke, M. Bush, D. E. Wildt, D. G. Meltzer, L. Colly, J. Lukas, V. J. Manton, T. Caro, Stephen J. O'Brien

Biology Faculty Articles

The extent and progression of exposure to feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) virus in the cheetah, Acinonyx jubatus, was monitored by a world-wide serological survey with indirect fluorescent antibody titers to coronavirus. The indirect fluorescent antibody assay was validated by Western blots, which showed that all indirect fluorescent antibody-positive cheetah sera detected both domestic cat and cheetah coronavirus structural proteins. There was a poor correlation between indirect fluorescent antibody results and the presence of coronaviruslike particles in cheetah feces, suggesting that electron microscopic detection of shed particles may not be an easily interpreted diagnostic parameter for FIP disease. Low, but …

Comparison Of The Protein Content In Selected Tissues At Different Feeding Stages In The American Dog Tick Dermacentor Variabilis (Say), Mark John Beveridge

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Selected tissues from Dermacentor yariabilis (Say) were collected at different feeding stages (unfed, part-fed, and replete) and examined by several different protein analyses to determine soluble protein content, protein or polypeptide molecular weights, and pI values. Results showed a relationship between the salivary gland, ovary and hemolymph and evidence indicates the synganglion produces and secretes substances that may control oocyte development.

An Analysis Of External Features As Predictors Of Reproductive Status In Small Mammals, Kenneth Wayne Mccravy

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Reproductive status in specimens of nine populations of seven species of small mammals was evaluated by examining the external reproductive features of nipple size, condition of the pubic symphysis, and vaginal condition and, in males, testis position. Usefulness of these external features in predicting true monthly breeding rates was evaluated by comparing predictions of breeding rates with true rates based on necropsy. Accuracy of predictions of reproductive status of individuals based on single external features and combinations of external features and body measurements was then analyzed at a finer level by comparing those predictions with results of necropsy of the …

The Development Of A Policy For The Management Of Dingo Populations In South Australia, R. J. Downward, J. E. Bromell

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 14th (1990)

Competing concerns between conservation and sheep-growing interests in South Australia over problems associated with the naturalized dog,Canis familiaris dingo, prompted the development of a policy for the management of this subspecies. The background to the development of this policy is outlined. The policy provides for a compromise between the need to protect the livestock industry while ensuring the continued survival of the dingo as a wildlife species.

1989 Christmas Count

Nebraska Bird Review

One hundred three species and one hybrid were reported on the Christmas counts for 1989, and two were seen within the count circles during the count week, but not reported on the count, and there is the possibility that some of the "species" reported were ones not individually listed. The figures for last year, with one less reporting site, were 110, no hybrids, and two seen during the count week but not on the count day. The total individual count this year was 102,212, compared to 505,823 last year and 408,096 the year before. A drop of 264,575 Snow Geese …

1989 Treasurer's Report

Nebraska Bird Review

1989 TREASURER'S REPORT

Balance

Memberships

Subscriptions

Misc.

Publications

Officer's expenses

Misc.

Balance

1989 (Thirty-Second) Fall Occurrence Report

Nebraska Bird Review

Two hundred ninety-one species, and the probability that the Snowy Owl on the DeSoto NWR Christmas Count would qualify as a Nebraska bird and the possibility that some of the Empidonax sp. reported were not otherwise reported, were reported from 13 "full-time" locations plus 9 "spot-check" locations, which included 27 counties. The figures for 1988 were 282 species from 14 "full-time" locations plus 14 "spot-check" locations, which included 49 counties. The figures for 1987 were 296, plus 2 possibilities, from 14 "full-time" and 4 "spot-check" locations; 1986, 293 and 1 possibility from 13 "full-time" and 4 "spot-check" locations.

The information …

"Book Reviews," From Nebraska Bird Review (March 1990)

Nebraska Bird Review

The Outermost House, Henry Beston, introduction by Robert Finch, xxiv + 222 pp. Penguin Books, New York, soft cover $6.95.

This book is part of the Penguin Nature Library. In 1925, Henry Beston bought a small acreage on Cape Cod and built a two room home there, in which he lived for a year. The book is a record of that period: his observations on the sea, the land and its creatures and features, and anything else that attracted his attention. His observations are interesting to read just for themselves, but some items invite comparison of those times with the …

Corrections To 1989 Spring Occurrence Report

Nebraska Bird Review

CORRECTIONS TO 1989 SPRING OCCURRENCE REPORT

The final date for Merlin for Lancaster Co. should be Mr 11 (NBR 57:63), the last date for Semipalmated Sandpiper for Dakota Co. is My 6 (p. 67), the last date for Western Sandpiper for Cedar Co. is My 20 (p. 66) and the first date for Lancaster Co. is My 11 (p. 67), the last date for Least Sandpiper for Lincoln Co. is Je 30 (p. 66), the first date White-rumped Sandpiper for Lancaster Co. should be My 6 (p. 67), the last date for Baird's Sandpiper for Lancaster Co. is My 11 …

"Notes," From Nebraska Bird Review (March 1990)

Nebraska Bird Review

Notes

NATIONAL WILDLIFE FEDERATION EAGLE SURVEY In the 1990 Eagle Survey a total of 857 Bald Eagles were observed in Nebraska, 211 along the Missouri River, and 646 in the rest of the state. This count is 259 less than the record high of 1,116 observed in 1989, and 103 less than the average of 960 birds for 1987-1989. The Missouri River count is nearly identical to the 1989 figure and to the three year average. Possibly the cold snap in late December prompted some Eagles to overfly Nebraska in search of less hostile wintering conditions. The Harlan Co. Reservoir …

Sage Sparrow In Sioux County, Dave Stage, Lois Stage

Nebraska Bird Review

On 6 August 1989, we observed a Sage Sparrow approximately one mile east of Coffee Park in Sow Belly Canyon in Sioux Co. The Sparrow flew from an area of sagebrush along the road and perched in the top of some brush about three to four meters high. The bird appeared to be an adult. Its bill was bluish-gray, breast was white with brownish streaks and a central dark spot. It had two faint pale wingbars, whitish eye-ring, a white stripe above the eye, whitish whisker stripe, grayish brown face patch, and light brown streaks on its sides. The head …

Nebraska Bird Review (March 1990) 58(1), Whole Issue

Nebraska Bird Review

Table of Contents

1989 Treasurer's Report .....................2

1989 Christmas Count.....................3

1989 (Thirty-Second) Fall Occurrence Report..................... 13

Corrections to 1989 Spring Occurrence Report .....................27

Sage Sparrow in Sioux County .....................27

Notes.....................29

Book Reviews..................... 35

Analysis Of The Fall And Winter Diet Of The Bobcat In Eastern Arkansas, C. Renn Tumlison, V. Rick Mcdaniel

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

Food habits of the bobcat (Felis rufus) in eastern Arkansas were examined based on stomach contents of 148 specimens. Rabbits (Sylvilagus floridanus and S. aquaticus) were the primary food source for males, females, and kittens. Rice rats (Oryzomys palustris), nutria (Myocastor coypus), and several species of waterfowl are first reported as food of bobcats in Arkansas. Cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus) and muskrats (Ondatra zibethica) were more common in bobcat diets in eastern versus western Arkansas. Adult males did not use smaller prey but this food source was common, in kittens; females were intermediate in their use of smaller prey.

History Of North American Trapping: How Fur-Trading Developed Our Continent, Daniel E. Mcallister Jr., Shirley A. Merrill

Maine Collection

History of North American Trapping: How Fur-Trading Developed Our Continent

by Daniel E. McAllister, Jr. & Shirley A. Merrill

Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Augusta, Maine, 1990.

Fecundity Of Male White-Tailed Deer On Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge, Thomas A. Nelson, Michael W. Johnson

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

Male reproductive tracts were collected from 57 white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) harvested on Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge during the 1988 and 1989 archery deer seasons. Organ weights and total numbers of spermatozoa present were determined for both testes and epididymides. Among yearling and adult males, the mean weights of testes and epididymides peaked during November and decreased through the end of the collection period in mid-December. Total number of spermatozoa in the tract increased through October, peaked during the last half of November, and decreased through mid- December. No significant difference was found between the mean number of spermatozoa …

Management Of The Ozark Big-Eared Bat, Plecotus Townsendii Ingens, In Arkansas, Michael J. Harvey, Sam W. Barkley

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Geographic Distribution: Tropidoclonion Lineatum (Lined Snake). Usa: Nebraska: Douglas Co., Louis A. Somma, James D. Fawcett

Papers in Herpetology

TROPIDOCLONION LINEATUM (Lined Snake). USA: NEBRASKA: Douglas Co. Omaha. jct. of 156th & F Streets (NE corner Sec. 3, T14N, R11E). 3 June 1980. J.J. Krupa. UNO 102-03680. Adult killed by lawnmower (J. Krupa. pers. comm.) at relict tallgrass prairie site (Beottcher 1981, Master's Thesis, University of Nebraska at Omaha). ca. 82.5 km SE of record in Cuming County and 75 km NE of record in Lancaster County (Lynch 1985, Trans. Nebraska Acad. Sci. 13: 33-57). Fills gap between easternmost records in central Nebraska and Westernmost records in Iowa (Christiansen 1981, Proc. Iowa Acad. Sci. 88: 24-26; Christiansen & Bailey, …